September 23, 2024
The Queensland Fire Department has imposed a local fire ban in 10 Queensland council areas, including Toowoomba and Western Downs.
The local fire ban will be in place from 12:01am on Monday (September 23).
The other council areas affected are: Southern Downs, Goondiwindi, Maranoa, Balonne, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie and Bulloo local government areas.
A QFD spokesperson said conditions were perfect for bushfires to ignite and spread quickly.
Under a local fire ban all open fires are prohibited and all Permits to Light Fire which have been issued in the designated areas have been suspended for the duration of the ban.
Power tools may be used during a local fire ban however QFD has encourages people to use these only with extreme care and ensure adequate equipment is available to extinguish any fire which may start. This may include having a person available to watch out for any ignitions that occur.
The ban is expected to remain in place until 11:59pm on Wednesday (September 25).
- Information about fire bans and the exemptions that can apply can be found on the QFD website
